East Kent Choristers Help at the Consecration of a New Lodge in West Kent

Friday 20th March was notable not only for a partial eclipse of the Sun but also for the four members of the East Kent Music Lodge, Sir Edward Elgar Lodge No 9837 who, rising in the East, got their motors running and headed for adventure at the Bromley Masonic Hall in the West to add their vocal talents to the Ceremony of Consecration of the new Motorcycling Lodge of West Kent No 9899.

As a friend of the Primus Master of the new lodge, Very Worshipful Brother Christopher Roberts, Sir Edward Elgar Lodge Past Master and Chorister, Worshipful Brother Tony Eldridge, was asked if he could help with the consecration programme, advise on the music content, and to bring some singers along to support the West Kent Choir on the day. It was, of course, a very special occasion, being the last lodge consecration to be undertaken by West Kent Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Jonathan Winpenny, before his retirement later this year.

Working with Worshipful Brother Bernard Tilley, West Kent’s Provincial Grand Organist, Tony recommended a programme of music which Bernard led from a magnificent Allen Organ which had been specially hired in for the occasion by the Province of West Kent. A skilled musician, Worshipful Brother Bernard is also Organist at the Odeon Leicester Square and, professionally, has performed around the world.

Members of other motorcycling lodges from across the country attended the consecration and honoured guests included our own Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Geoffrey Dearing, and Provincial Grand Secretary, Worshipful Brother David Alexander.

Following an excellent consecration ceremony performed by Right Worshipful Brother Winpenny and his West Kent team, 300 Brethren enjoyed a superb Festive Board at which the Master’s Song was delivered in true style by Tony Eldridge, supported by the singing talents of the Sir Edward Elgar Lodge team. Accompaniment was provided by Bernard Tilley on a piano accordion!

Tony Eldridge commented “I’ve sung the Master’s Song many hundreds of times over the past 30 years, but this is a first for me, with piano accordion accompaniment! Bringing the combined musical talents of both Provinces together and therefore enhancing what is already a very special ceremony, is in the true spirit of fraternal friendship which as far as music is concerned, should be without frontiers”.

At the end of a very happy and successful evening the Sir Edward Elgar Lodge Choristers returned from the West with the satisfaction of a job well done.